EHS Director Sue Sullivan moves to new role with Whatcom County Health Department

After nearly 20 years of exemplary work at Western, Director of Environmental Health & Safety Sue Sullivan is moving on from the university to serve the community in a new role as the Whatcom County Health Department’s Environmental Health Manager.

Sullivan began her work at Western in 2002 as an Environmental Health & Safety Technologist, moving into a role as Occupational Health & Safety Professional before becoming Director of Environmental Health & Safety, a position she has held for more than seven years. She has been instrumental in a variety of initiatives to keep Western’s campus safe, including enhanced management of the university’s Confined Space Rescue Team and developing Western’s Lead in Drinking Water program.

Most recently, she has played an integral role in Western’s COVID-19 response, serving as Incident Command Safety Officer with the goal of working across departments to minimize disease transmission among students and employees.

During her time at Western, she also has earned her Masters of Business Administration from the university, giving her the opportunity to experience Western not only as an employee but as a learner as well.

“There are several words that come to mind when I reflect on my time at Western: incredible growth, opportunity and change, both personally and professionally,” Sullivan said. “I've had the pleasure of not only serving the students but becoming one and understanding the importance of lifelong learning. I will miss Western’s beauty and regularly seeing the many friends I’ve made over the years.”

Her last day at Western will be July 8, and her colleagues and friends on campus wish her well in her next endeavor.

“Sue has been a passionate advocate for health and safety for all at Western,” said Rich Van Den Hul, Western’s Vice President of Business & Financial Affairs. “She has been instrumental in our successfully navigating the pandemic and getting all involved to be sure to practice self-care as we take on all the issues necessary to do so. We wish Sue all the best in her new role with the County and appreciate that we will continue to benefit from her work. It is good to know she will still be keeping us safe."